Interview Roman Cools
'It is crucial to follow the potato world'
The World Potato Congress (WPC) was organized in Peru from 28 to 30 May. Growers, processors, researchers and buyers meet once every 3 years to discuss the future of the potato sector. WPC chairman Romain Cools about the past and upcoming edition.
What exactly is the WPC, and for whom is it intended?
"It World Potato Congress is a non-governmental organization (NGO) founded 25 years ago in Prince Edward Island. This on the occasion of the first world congress in Charlottetown (Canada). The objective of the organization has evolved considerably in recent years. Where the emphasis was previously limited to the organization of a regular event, this has now evolved into a leading network organization for the global potato sector."
"The organization is structured with a board of directors, international advisory board and a growing group of sustainable partners from business and the media. WPC wants to grow growers, trade and processing, supply, food service and retail, as well as various governments and research and development The purpose of this is to set out the outlines for the future of the potato chain.In recent years, the relationship between developed countries and developing countries has also become a new field of action, as illustrated by the tenth congress in Cusco (Peru). "
Is the WPC also relevant for potato growers, or especially for companies around the grower?
"The congress is certainly relevant for potato growers. The WPC was founded on the basis of cultivation and today there are still growers active in the governing bodies. As I said before: WPC wants the entire potato chain to work together. The role of the grower is crucial New initiatives, such as partnerships to improve cultivation and storage (and the marketing and creation of added value) in developing countries, were the focus of the congress in Peru.It is crucial for growers in the Western world to keep a close eye on the latest developments You can do that during this event, where all points of the compass meet."
Why is there the focus on developing countries?
"The WPC actively participated in the last African Potato Congress in Addis Ababa (Ethiopia). The decision of the Chinese government to partially replace the importance of rice and grain production by potato cultivation was the theme at the previous congress in Chinese Yanqing. The attention for development cooperation through the projects of the Belgian NGO Trias in Ecuador and Peru was remarkable. Following this presentation, the WPC 'Toolbox' was presented: a guideline for developing potato projects in Africa, South America and Asia. in the fight against poverty and hunger."
What were the main themes in Peru?
"I cannot ignore the fact that we were guests in the land of the potato with this congress. The Peruvians are very proud of this. Every taxi driver or employee at the airport knew about the congress. Broadcast live on national television and the congress was organized by INIA: the innovation department of the Ministry of Agriculture, in collaboration with the International Potato Center (CIP) in Lima."
"During this congress, attention was paid to the importance of potato cultivation in the Andes (as a source of biodiversity) and the role of the potato in the context of food security. The theme: biodiversity, food security and business. The congress offered scientific updates on pests and diseases, nutrition and health, crop management and storage and processing technology.The role of climate change and biotechnology was also discussed.The plenary sessions provided an overview of the global aspects of cultivation, with contributions from FAO, CIP and various institutes and universities."
What do you remember most as chairman?
"It was my first event as chairman; quite exciting. The collaboration with the local organizing committee was intensive and the various presentations and speeches were a challenge. Together with the other board members and the team on site, we managed to organize a successful edition to make."
"The reactions of the participants were mostly positive and we will take the comments and suggestions for improvement to the next congress in May 2021 (Ireland). The enthusiasm of the Peruvian hosts, both at the congress and in the city, is an inspiration for the WPC to start preparing for the next congress This congress contains many answers to the challenges facing the sector I hope this congress can be a source of inspiration to realize and strengthen new developments in our sector ."
"Personally, I enjoy the enrichment that such a function offers, in order to get to know visions and traditions from all over the world. With more than 800 participants from 37 countries at the first sold-out congress, the foundation seems to have been laid for the further future of this project."
The next convention will be held in Ireland. Is more known about this?
“In Cusco, the WPC flag was presented to the representatives of the Irish Organizing Committee, led by the Ambassador to Peru: Barbara Jones. The Irish Committee Chair, Liam Glennon, announced the dates and venue for the 1th WPC in Dublin It is striking that the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland are working together, a special signal in times of Brexit.The role of the potato in Irish history is of course an important starting point. The great famine, caused by potato blight in the mid-nineteenth century , caused the death of more than XNUMX million Irish and a veritable wave of immigration across the world."
What topics are covered in Dublin?
"The central theme is: 'The changing world of the potato'. I think this makes it clear where the emphasis is placed: more than ever, and at an ever increasing speed, cultivation is changing, but so are the consumption patterns of our food and the potato."
"The WPC in Ireland strives for a mix of research, development and business. The development part is emphasized with the projects of the Irish organization VITA in sub-Saharan Africa. The central location of the historic convention center of the Royal Dublin Society, and the close The fact that this event is linked to the annual conference of Europatat offers additional opportunities.The world-renowned Irish hospitality guarantees an unforgettable experience for the expected 1.000 participants, from 24 to 27 May 2021 in Dublin."
Niels van der Boom
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